After you see a positive result on an at-home pregnancy test, your mind might jump ahead to the big question: "What do I do now?" While it’s natural to want to figure everything out quickly, there's a crucial medical step you need to take first to get a clear and complete picture of your pregnancy: an ultrasound.

An ultrasound provides essential information about your health that a urine test simply cannot. At Wilkes Pregnancy Care Center, we believe in empowering you with all the facts before you make any decision. Let's walk through what an ultrasound is and why it's such a vital step in your journey.

What is an Ultrasound?

An ultrasound is a simple, painless medical procedure that uses sound waves to create an image of the inside of your uterus. A trained medical professional (a sonographer) applies a special gel to your abdomen and moves a small wand, called a transducer, over your skin. The image that appears on the screen provides a wealth of information about your pregnancy.

The Three Critical Questions an Ultrasound Answers

Before you can make an informed decision about parenting, adoption, or abortion, you need the answers to these three questions, which only an ultrasound can provide.

  1. Is the pregnancy viable? A viable pregnancy is one that is developing in the uterus and has a detectable heartbeat. A positive pregnancy test confirms the presence of pregnancy hormones but doesn't tell you if the pregnancy is viable. According to the Mayo Clinic, a significant number of pregnancies end in natural miscarriage, often before the woman even knew she was pregnant. An ultrasound can confirm if the pregnancy is progressing or if you may have already miscarried.
  2. How far along is the pregnancy? Knowing your gestational age—how many weeks pregnant you are—is critical. While you can estimate based on your last menstrual period, an ultrasound provides a much more accurate date by measuring the size of the fetus. This information is essential because it directly impacts your options. For example, the types of abortion procedures available are determined by how far along you are.
  3. Where is the pregnancy located? An ultrasound confirms that the pregnancy is located inside your uterus. In rare cases, a fertilized egg can implant outside of the uterus, most commonly in a fallopian tube. This is a dangerous and non-viable condition called an ectopic pregnancy, which the Mayo Clinic describes as a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. An ectopic pregnancy cannot be treated with the abortion pill and must be diagnosed by a medical professional.

An Ultrasound Protects Your Health and Empowers Your Choice

No matter which of your choices you are considering, the information from an ultrasound is a non-negotiable part of the process. It protects your health by ruling out serious conditions like an ectopic pregnancy and empowers you by providing the medical facts you need to make a decision that is truly safe and informed.

How Wilkes Pregnancy Care Center Can Help

At Wilkes Pregnancy Care Center, your health and safety are our top priorities. Your first step with us is to confirm your pregnancy with one of our free, lab-quality pregnancy tests. After that, our caring client advocates can:

You can learn more about what to expect during a visit with us, where our focus is entirely on you and your needs.

Wrapping Up

A positive pregnancy test is the first piece of the puzzle, but an ultrasound provides the full picture. Don't skip this essential step. Getting all the medical facts protects your health and gives you the clarity you need to make the best decision for your future.

If you’ve had a positive test and are wondering what to do next, we’re here to help you take that first step. Request an appointment online or call us at (336) 838-9272 to schedule your free pregnancy test and consultation today.